Russell Rodney Spry

Russ passed away peacefully on February 24, 2020 with family by his side at St. Luke's hospital in Duluth Minnesota.

He was born on August 9, 1935, in White Earth Township, Minnesota the oldest of five children born to Abbie (Mischke) and Raymond Spry.

Following high school graduation, Russ served three years in the United States Army. After the service he moved to International Falls where he worked at Boise Cascade for over forty years and was self-employed, working in carpentry. After retirement from Boise, Russ started a secondary career, as a custodian at ISD 361 and Rainy River Community College. He also remained very active, in the community, volunteering with a number of community organizations.

Russ always enjoyed carpentry, cribbage, gardening, finding a great deal while rummage saling, and spending time with his family. Family time at "The Shack", during deer hunting season, was something he always looked forward to and and Spry Family Reunions were always full of fun & laughter.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents Abbie and Raymond; siblings Donna (Mike) Mullen, Maynetta LaDue, and Ronnie Spry; He is survived by his brother Dana "Dennis" (Bonnie) Spry; brother-in-law Pete LaDue; sister-in-law Bonnie Heisler; his sons & daughters Pam (Randy) Cody, Russell (Pamm-Ella) Spry, Michael Spry (Pam Riggs), Debbie Spry (Daniel Graves), Jeremy (Mindy) Taschuk, Patrick Taschuk, Garrett (Cara) Taschuk, Tyler (Leanne) Spry; seventeen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces & nephews.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment will take place in Waubun, Minnesota at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Minnesota Elks Club Youth Camp.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in International Falls, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com